In an impressive and controlled display, the three-time grand slam champion broke his 20-year-old opponent twice in the second set and emerged victorious in a 7-6(4) 6-3 triumph, advancing to the quarterfinal of the tournament.
Murray said it was a “very tough match. He hits the ball huge from the back of the court, so [there was] a lot of long rallies and a lot of running, but it’s probably my best win of the season and I want to keep it running.
“I’ve played a lot of guys ranked between three and four in the world and 15, 16, and I’ve won a couple of them this year, but I’ve lost quite a few so it’s good to start to turn those matches around. Now, I’m in the quarters, [I want] to have a deep run here.”
The Scot underwent a hip resurfacing operation in 2019 — his second hip operation in just over a year — in a bid to save his career, but nagging injuries have continued to hamper his return.
He also tested positive for Covid-19 in January, forcing him to miss February’s Australian Open.
“I think I still have a lot to offer,” he said. “If my body stays good and I’m able to build some momentum with more tournaments and matches, I believe I can get right up there again.”
The Scot will face American Tommy Paul in the quarterfinal.